Plenty, say New York wellness experts, who are buzzing about honey’s healing benefits—specifically the raw, unpasteurized, and darker varieties of honey, as well as medicinal Manuka, which hails from New Zealand.  So how do health practitioners like Gabrielle Francis, Frank Lipman, and Alisa Vitti recommend using the kitchen-cupboard staple?  Here’s how honey does a sweet job as a skin-care treatment, immune-system booster, digestive aid and more: 

  1. Hydrating, Acne-Fighting Face Mask  Sandra Rosario, lead aesthetician at The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, NY, told us about honey’s beauty benefits. “Honey is a humectant, which means it draws water to the skin, relieving dryness and irritation.” It also has anti-bacterial properties, a boon for breakout-prone skin. She likes raw honey best because “it’s in its purest form, retaining active enzymes that haven’t been destroyed in the heating process.”  How to use it: Rosario recommends applying the honey in a thin layer, like a facial mask. Put two or three tablespoons of raw honey in a small bowl. Lightly wet your fingertips, then dip them in the honey, and gently spread the honey on. After 10 minutes, rinse your face well with warm water (try to avoid using soap afterward) and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
  2. Allergies and Immunity  “Honey soothes sore throats, calms coughs, and boosts immunity,” says Dr. Gabrielle Francis, who practices chiropractor, acupuncture, and naturopathic medicine both in Manhattan and on tour with rock stars. “Honey contains B vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and is high in minerals like calcium and magnesium, bioflavonoids, and antioxidants.” It’s also helpful for allergies.  How to use it: Eat one tablespoon of honey daily. “Make sure it’s locally grown with flowers from your area, and unpasteurized so it retains more of its enzymes and antioxidants,” says Dr. Francis. You can also add it to a cup of tea or mix it with apple cider vinegar, which has a lot of health perks, too. There’s more! Find the next two uses at Well+GoodNYC’s Honey: Four Surprising Ways Wellness Experts Use It.